TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — Honduras’ ousted president won overwhelming international support Tuesday as he planned a high-profile return to his chaotic country. The politicians who sent soldiers to fly him into exile in his pajamas said he will be arrested for treason if he tries.

The showdown was building as the presidents of Argentina and Ecuador signed on to accompany Manuel Zelaya, the exiled president, on a flight to Honduras on Thursday. Attorney General Luis Alberto Rubi said Zelaya would be seized “as soon as he sets foot on Honduran soil” and face 20 years in prison on charges that include abuse of authority.

The U.N. General Assembly voted by acclamation to demand Zelaya’s immediate restoration, and the Organization of American States was meeting to consider suspending Honduras for straying from democracy.

With no international support but a significant following at home, the new Honduran leadership called thousands of flag-waving people into a downtown plaza. Security forces used tear gas and water cannons Monday against Zelaya supporters, injuring and arresting dozens.

The interim president, Roberto Micheletti, said he would not step down:

“No. I was appointed by Congress, which represents the Honduran people. Nobody can make me resign unless I break the laws of the country.”

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